The Avicenna Tajik State Medical University (ATSMU), Khujand Branch, is a secondary campus of the prestigious Avicenna Tajik State Medical University. While the main university is located in the capital, Dushanbe, the Khujand branch was established to serve students in the northern Sughd region of Tajikistan. It has become a significant center for international medical education, particularly for students from South Asia, due to its English-medium MBBS/MD programs and lower cost of living compared to the capital.
Established: 1992 (Branch campus).
Location: Khujand, Sughd Region, Tajikistan.
Degree Awarded: MD (Equivalent to MBBS).
Duration: 6 Years (5 years of academic study + 1 year of clinical internship).
Language of Instruction: English (for international cohorts), Russian, and Tajik.
Accreditation: Recognized by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection of Tajikistan, WHO, and the NMC (India).
Academic Pedigree: As a branch of ATSMU (the oldest and largest medical university in the country), the Khujand campus follows the same high standards of curriculum and assessment as the main Dushanbe campus.
Facilities: The branch features specialized lecture halls, laboratories for biochemistry and physiology, and an anatomy department.
Faculty: Instruction is provided by experienced professors and clinical doctors, many of whom are trained in the Russian medical tradition.
Leading tertiary care hospital attached to the institution
Clinical Exposure: Khujand is the second-largest city in Tajikistan and acts as the medical hub for the northern region. Students undergo rotations at major regional facilities, including:
Khujand City Hospital.
Sughd Regional Multi-Specialty Hospital.
Hands-on Learning: Clinical rotations begin in the 3rd year. Students interact with a high volume of patients, gaining experience in trauma, infectious diseases, and community health.
Language Support: While classes are in English, the university often provides basic Tajik/Russian language training to help students communicate effectively with patients during hospital rounds.
State University Affordability
The Khujand branch is often slightly more affordable than the main Dushanbe campus.
Tuition Fee: Approximately $4,000 – $4,200 USD per year.
Admission/Registration (Year 1): Approx. $1,000 – $1,500 USD.
Total 6-Year Tuition: Estimated at roughly $24,000 – $26,000 USD.
Nostrification/Visa Extension: Approx. $200 – $300 USD annually.
Vibe: One of the oldest cities in Central Asia (founded by Alexander the Great). It is a major trade and cultural center situated on the Syr Darya river.
Cost of Living: Generally 10–15% cheaper than Dushanbe. A student can live comfortably on $100 – $150 USD per month for personal expenses.
Climate: Continental. Very hot, dry summers and cold, crisp winters.
Transport: Well-connected to Dushanbe by road and air. Khujand has its own international airport with flights to major regional hubs.
Accommodation: The branch provides dedicated hostels for international students with 24/7 security.
Cost: Approx. $400 – $600 USD per year.
Setup: Rooms are usually shared by 2–3 students and include basic furniture, heating for winter, and Wi-Fi.
Dining: Many international students (especially from India) use a specialized mess service that provides home-style food.
Mess Charges: Approx. $1,000 – $1,200 USD per year.
Self-Catering: For those who prefer to cook, local markets (Bazaars) offer fresh, highly affordable groceries.
Academic: Minimum 50% aggregate in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (PCB) in Class 12.
NEET (Mandatory for Indians): A qualifying NEET score is essential for admission and to ensure eligibility to practice in India upon return.
Application Timeline: The main intake is in September.
Documents: Valid passport, 10th/12th marksheets, medical fitness certificate (including HIV test), and passport-sized photos.
Well-equipped Library
Experienced Faculty
Computer Lab
Sports Activities
Heritage Campus